The mere thought of starting a business or launching a nonprofit can be daunting, even for those with unlimited resources. For individuals or groups seeking to do so with limited funds and little-to-no experience, developing their idea into a sustainable business model can seem insurmountable.
Access to information and learning the basics are a step in the right direction, but even that can be an obstacle for those unfamiliar with the process.
Fortunately for those in the region, the St. Louis County Library is again providing invaluable resources for emerging entrepreneurs and organizations through its annual Small Business & Nonprofit Conference.
The free conference, to be held Oct. 8-10, will be packed with “actionable strategies, game-changing insights, and valuable connections,” according to the library. Last year, nearly 1,700 people attended.
“Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner or a nonprofit leader, you’ll find sessions tailored to help you start, strengthen and grow” a library statement says.
The conference will feature in-person and virtual networking along with sessions on a variety of business-critical skills and strategies. The line-up includes 53 sessions on topics including podcasting, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, grant readiness, public speaking, video production, business plan tips, fundraising and board engagement.
There are sessions that teach participants how to launch their business and how to develop and implement a successful business plan. Others include instructions on using smartphones and AI for business growth and marketing through software such as Canva.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the Rome Group and A Village For Good are among the organizations that will lead sessions and provide support.
Sessions will take place at the Clark Family Branch Library at 1640 South Lindbergh Blvd., and virtually via Zoom. Although the conference is free, registration is recommended for in-person sessions and required for virtual sessions.
The St. Louis County Library has become one of the region’s leading small business generators. Entrepreneurs can use small business resources there and save as much as $13,000 or more, according to the library.
The facility provides free access to databases to build mailing lists, conduct market research and explore grants. In 2024, the library opened a small business center on the second floor of the Clark Family Branch.
The center offers resources for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, including free programs, meeting spaces, computers, Wi-Fi and a copy center. There also is a creative lab for emerging entrepreneurs, creatives and organizations.
The lab has 17 Apple iMac desktop computers, all loaded with the complete Adobe suite of creative software, as well as three 3-D printers that are available for use with an active library card and minimal charges.
Teens and adults with a library card are given a $5 credit each month to use on the printers in the lab.
“This isn’t a traditional library anymore,” said Ja’Mel McCaine, who manages the creative lab space at the Clark branch, told the UMSL Daily. “We’re not a quiet space. You can come and learn in a place with all these resources. A lot of people come in here and say, ‘I didn’t know you had all this!’”
A full schedule and registration details are available at: www.slcl.org/events/small-business-and-nonprofit-conference.